SLES For SAP—Hana, Linux, And Blockchain

There is no way around IoT, artificial intelligence/machine learning or blockchain. Technologies and methods like this are undoubtedly capable of generating value or benefits for companies. However, the stakes are high: business cases are a must, so are new business models and detailed application requirements, for which these technologies can serve as a foundation. SAP provides either directly usable solutions, frameworks or services via SCP, specifically SAP Leonardo. They are designed to complement or enhance existing SAP application solutions like S/4 Hana. In this context, SAP ensures that e.g. SAP blockchain services work seamlessly with the “Digital Core” S/4 Hana. No matter whether it is S/4 on-premise or S/4 Hana Cloud.

Integration without media discontinuity

For the in-memory database Hana, that means that—as an important infrastructure component—it must be able to process data with blockchain character or ensure blockchain (network) integration. In addition, blockchain data processing with all other business data must be ensured. Of course, the operating system platform, specifically Linux in this case, has to deal with this at the same time or must also support the use of the blockchain technology in addition.

The tandem of SAP Hana and Suse Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for SAP Applications has proven itself in practical applications in the SAP mission-critical environment many times over. An advantage for SAP user companies is the fact that SLES for SAP Applications offers special useful functions for use in the SAP environment. They were developed in close cooperation with SAP to ensure high performance from Hana, to speed up Hana deployments, to automate replications, to increase security and much more.

Enterprise and blockchain data

Blockchain-Hana integration is realized with SAP Hana 2 SP3. The focus here is on blockchain data usage or the simple integration of blockchain services via SAP Cloud Platform with bidirectional replication—and seamless integration of SAP business data. In this context, a uniform SQL interface between the Hana database (on-premise/cloud version) and blockchain (data) is important.

Suse SLES for SAP Applications supports this type of Hana blockchain integration. As it turns out, blockchain and Linux are closely connected in a comprehensive open source initiative called Hyperledger. It aims to promote blockchain technologies and was launched in 2015. The good news: it is hosted by the Linux Foundation! Numerous well-known companies from various industries, IT providers and users, thus are involved and are driving blockchain use.

On the other hand, there are blockchain deployments (with appropriate hardware) under Linux. A blockchain deployment via Suse CaaSP 2.0, which includes a Cubernet implementation together with automation for container orchestration, management and security framework and is certified for SAP Data Hub, would be possible.

No matter if it is blockchain, AI, machine learning or IoT. Suse Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications is able to efficiently support new technologies and thus means future compatibility and investment protection for enterprises.